Left Bank Bordeaux: Best Wines (2024), Vineyards, Left vs Right Bank

by Anthony Zhang

The sheer variety of luscious wines produced in the Left Bank Bordeaux wine region makes it a treasure trove for wine collectors!

The Left Bank of Bordeaux is home to well-known appellations like St-Estèphe, Pauillac, St-Julien, and Margaux.

This French wine region produces Cabernet dominant wines, which are well-structured and can age gracefully for decades.

Let’s explore the Left Bank appellations, classifications, and how Left bank Bordeaux differs from the Right Bank. We’ll also look at 10 exceptional wines from the Left Bank and whether they make a worthy investment.

What is the Difference Between Left Bank Bordeaux And Right Bank Bordeaux?

The 125,000 hectares of vineyard lands in the Bordeaux wine region is divided into two parts by the Dordogne and Garonne river. (The confluence of these rivers is the Gironde river estuary.)

Left Bank Bordeaux lies to the west and south of the Garonne river while the Right Bank is the area to the east and north of the Dordogne river.

Even though both banks produce identical grapes, the differences in terroir lead to very different flavored wines.

Let’s take a look.

1. Left Bank Bordeaux

The Left Bank Bordeaux region has a cool climate and terroir with gentle slopes and gravelly clay-rich soil.

Left Bank wines are generally blends made with Cabernet Sauvignon as the dominant grape, while Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc are used as a supporting grape variety.

Left Bank wines tend to be more acidic and tannic in their youth. They mature into mesmerizing and delicious wines over time.

2.Right Bank Bordeaux

The soils of Right Bank Bordeaux are composed of limestone, clay, gravel, sand, and iron deposits.

The Right Bank produces primarily Merlot grape based wines with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verdot as a supporting grape variety.

Right Bank wines are more approachable in their youth due to Merlot grapes - which means you can enjoy them right away.

The Right Bank is home to appellations such as St. Émilion, Pomerol, Bourg, and Blaye.

The classification for St Emilion was introduced in 1955. The latest review of this classification divides 82 estates into 64 Grand Cru Classé chateaux and 18 Premier Cru Classé chateaux. Two renowned premiers crus chateaux are Chateau Ausone and Cheval Blanc.

The Pomerol appellation does not have any official classification.

Let’s take a closer look at Left Bank Bordeaux appellations and the 1855 classification.

Left Bank Bordeaux AOCs and Classification

Left Bank Bordeaux is divided into two main parts - Medoc and Graves. These two Bordeaux wine regions are further subdivided into smaller communes.

The major AOCs are Margaux, St. Julien, Pauillac, St. Estèphe,Sauternes, Haut Medoc, and the Pessac Leognan appellation.

The 1855 classification of the Medoc included all chateaux that came from the top appellations from the Medoc region and Chateau Haut-Brion of Graves.

In 1932, estates not categorized under the 1855 classification were classified under the Cru Bourgeois label.

In 1953, estates from the Graves were also classified. This classification mainly includes producers from the Pessac Leognan appellation.

Top Left Bank Chateaux

Bordeaux wine critics and enthusiasts sometimes favor Left Bank wines over their Right Bank counterparts. These include vintages from top chateaux like Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Mouton-Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion.

Let’s look at some stunning wines from these famed producers.

10 Exceptional Left Bank Bordeaux Chateaux And Wine Tasting Notes

Here are some exceptional Left Bank Bordeaux vintages for your cellar.

2015 Liber Pater Graves, France
2019 Chateau Latour Pauillac, France
1989 Chateau Haut-Brion Pessac-Leognan, France
2000 Chateau Mouton Rothschild Pauillac, France
2015 Chateau Margaux Margaux, France
2000 Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac, France
2010 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc Pessac-Leognan, France
2009 Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes, France
1990 Chateau Coutet Cuvée Madame Sauternes - Barsac, France
2009 Chateau Palmer Margaux, France

1. 2015 Liber Pater Graves, France ($37,835)

This red Bordeaux wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and assorted rare grape varieties. The palate of this Cabernet dominant wine has notes of dark chocolate, blackcurrant, and refreshing black fruit flavors.

2. 2019 Chateau Latour Pauillac, France ($4,500)

This Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend has notes of black fruit and blackcurrant. The palate of this Cabernet dominant wine has a ripe but firm tannin structure and a soft spicy finish.

3. 1989 Chateau Haut-Brion Pessac-Leognan, France ($2,673)

This classic red Bordeaux wine has black walnut, earthy dark cherry aromas. This Cabernet dominant wine has notes of cedar and cassis with supple tannin.

4. 2000 Chateau Mouton Rothschild Pauillac, France ($2,606)

Another gorgeous red Bordeaux blend with a harmonious palate of black berries and dark fruit with well-integrated tannin. This estate also produces a second wine, Petit Mouton.

5. 2015 Chateau Margaux Margaux, France ($1,969)

This red Bordeaux vintage has lovely aromas of chalk, graphite, violet, and black currant notes.

6. 2000 Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac, France ($1,861)

A stunning red wine with a wonderful palate of black fruit, truffles, graphite, and lead pencil shavings.

7. 2010 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc Pessac-Leognan, France ($1,094)

A mesmerizing white wine with a refreshing palate of yellow fruit, lemon, grape fruit, and lime.

8. 2009 Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes, France ($640)

A lush and balanced dessert wine made with Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grape varietals. This French wine has remarkable notes of honey, pear, peach, and tropical fruits.

9. 1990 Chateau Coutet Cuvée Madame Sauternes - Barsac, France ($616)

A beautiful white wine made with Semillon grape varietal. This sweet wine has vibrant flavors of honey, tree fruit, and lively citrus notes.

10. 2009 Chateau Palmer Margaux, France ($439)

A classic red wine with notes of cassis, blueberries, and earthy tobacco flavors with a pleasant lingering finish.

Now, let’s see if these wines make for a worthy addition to your wine portfolio.

Should You Invest In Left Bank Bordeaux Wine?

Historically, Left Bank Bordeaux wines have been the most investment-worthy wines of the region due to the superior terroir, aging potential, and proximity to trade routes.

If you're looking for wines that will improve with time, Left Bank Bordeaux wine is your best bet.

And if you want to resell your wine for a profit, picking a Left Bank wine, particularly from a first or second-growth producer, can yield impressive returns.

Some recent Left Bank Bordeaux wine vintages to look out for are 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2001, 2000.

Older vintage wines from 1996, 1990, 1985, 1978, 1955, 1948, and 1945 have also been well received by critics and enthusiasts.

Moreover, these wines have performed spectacularly at auctions.

In 2006, a 135-year vertical collection of wines from Chateau Yquem was sold for $1.5 million at The Antique Wine Company in London.
In 2011, a bottle of 1811 Yquem was sold for $117,00 and became the most expensive wine bottle ever sold.
A total of 75 cases of Mouton Rothschild’s "Versailles Celebration" were auctioned off for $2.7 million during Sotheby’s charity auctions.

But you can’t always go to a fancy auction to get your fair share of Left Bank Bordeaux wines.

So, what’s the easiest way to add some of the best Left Bank Bordeaux wines to your collection?

The easiest way to invest in a Left Bank Wine or a Right Bank wine is through a trustedonline wine investment company like Vinovest - which lets you buy, store, and sell authentic fine wine with just a few clicks.